Critical Care Nursing
10th Edition
Author(s)Linda D. Urden;
Kathleen M. Stacy; Mary E.
Lough; Kimberly Sanchez
Critical Care Nursing: Diagnosis and Management, 10th
Edition
Unit I – Foundations of Critical Care Nursing
Exam Revision Test Bank (20 Questions)
,Critical Care Nursing Test Bank (20 Questions)
Unit I: Foundations of Critical Care Nursing
Question 1 (MCQ)
A critical care nurse is discussing the history of intensive care nursing with newly hired staff.
Which historical event most significantly contributed to the development of modern intensive
care units (ICUs)?
A. Introduction of electronic health records
B. Centralization of mechanically ventilated patients during the polio epidemics
C. Establishment of rapid response teams
D. Development of telehealth systems
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The modern ICU evolved from the practice of grouping critically ill patients
requiring mechanical ventilation during the polio epidemics, allowing specialized monitoring
and care.
Distractor Analysis:
A: Important technological advancement but not the origin of ICUs.
C: Developed much later to prevent clinical deterioration.
D: Modern innovation that expanded critical care delivery.
Difficulty: Moderate
Bloom's Level: Recall
Learning Objective: Describe the historical development of critical care nursing.
Chapter Reference: Critical Care Nursing Practice – History of Critical Care
Clinical Significance: Understanding ICU origins supports appreciation of specialized critical
care delivery.
Question 2 (MCQ)
Which nursing activity best reflects the contemporary role of the critical care nurse?
,A. Performing only physician-prescribed interventions
B. Coordinating complex care while integrating evidence-based practice
C. Limiting communication to bedside nursing tasks
D. Managing only physiological patient needs
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Contemporary critical care nursing encompasses coordination of complex care,
evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and holistic management.
Distractor Analysis:
A: Reflects outdated task-oriented nursing.
C: Communication extends beyond bedside tasks.
D: Critical care includes psychosocial and family needs.
Difficulty: Moderate
Bloom's Level: Comprehension
Learning Objective: Identify contemporary critical care nursing responsibilities.
Chapter Reference: Contemporary Critical Care
Clinical Significance: Modern ICU nurses function as leaders, coordinators, and advocates.
Question 3 (MCQ)
Which patient scenario best illustrates the impact of social determinants of health?
A. A patient develops ventricular tachycardia after myocardial infarction.
B. A patient delays treatment because transportation to healthcare facilities is unavailable.
C. A patient receives a vasopressor infusion.
D. A patient requires mechanical ventilation.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Transportation access is a recognized social determinant influencing healthcare
access and outcomes.
Distractor Analysis:
A: Physiologic complication.
C: Medical intervention.
, D: Clinical treatment requirement.
Difficulty: Easy
Bloom's Level: Comprehension
Learning Objective: Explain the influence of social determinants of health.
Chapter Reference: Social Determinants of Health
Clinical Significance: Recognition of SDOH promotes equitable healthcare delivery.
Question 4 (SATA)
Which actions demonstrate professional accountability by a critical care nurse? (Select all that
apply.)
A. Maintaining clinical competence through continuing education
B. Reporting unsafe practices
C. Ignoring evidence-based guidelines when busy
D. Adhering to ethical standards
E. Participating in quality improvement initiatives
Correct Answers: A, B, D, E
Rationale: Professional accountability includes lifelong learning, advocacy, ethical practice, and
quality improvement participation.
Distractor Analysis:
C: Violates professional standards and patient safety principles.
Difficulty: Moderate
Bloom's Level: Application
Learning Objective: Apply principles of professional accountability.
Chapter Reference: Critical Care Professional Accountability
Clinical Significance: Accountability directly influences patient outcomes and safety.
10th Edition
Author(s)Linda D. Urden;
Kathleen M. Stacy; Mary E.
Lough; Kimberly Sanchez
Critical Care Nursing: Diagnosis and Management, 10th
Edition
Unit I – Foundations of Critical Care Nursing
Exam Revision Test Bank (20 Questions)
,Critical Care Nursing Test Bank (20 Questions)
Unit I: Foundations of Critical Care Nursing
Question 1 (MCQ)
A critical care nurse is discussing the history of intensive care nursing with newly hired staff.
Which historical event most significantly contributed to the development of modern intensive
care units (ICUs)?
A. Introduction of electronic health records
B. Centralization of mechanically ventilated patients during the polio epidemics
C. Establishment of rapid response teams
D. Development of telehealth systems
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The modern ICU evolved from the practice of grouping critically ill patients
requiring mechanical ventilation during the polio epidemics, allowing specialized monitoring
and care.
Distractor Analysis:
A: Important technological advancement but not the origin of ICUs.
C: Developed much later to prevent clinical deterioration.
D: Modern innovation that expanded critical care delivery.
Difficulty: Moderate
Bloom's Level: Recall
Learning Objective: Describe the historical development of critical care nursing.
Chapter Reference: Critical Care Nursing Practice – History of Critical Care
Clinical Significance: Understanding ICU origins supports appreciation of specialized critical
care delivery.
Question 2 (MCQ)
Which nursing activity best reflects the contemporary role of the critical care nurse?
,A. Performing only physician-prescribed interventions
B. Coordinating complex care while integrating evidence-based practice
C. Limiting communication to bedside nursing tasks
D. Managing only physiological patient needs
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Contemporary critical care nursing encompasses coordination of complex care,
evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and holistic management.
Distractor Analysis:
A: Reflects outdated task-oriented nursing.
C: Communication extends beyond bedside tasks.
D: Critical care includes psychosocial and family needs.
Difficulty: Moderate
Bloom's Level: Comprehension
Learning Objective: Identify contemporary critical care nursing responsibilities.
Chapter Reference: Contemporary Critical Care
Clinical Significance: Modern ICU nurses function as leaders, coordinators, and advocates.
Question 3 (MCQ)
Which patient scenario best illustrates the impact of social determinants of health?
A. A patient develops ventricular tachycardia after myocardial infarction.
B. A patient delays treatment because transportation to healthcare facilities is unavailable.
C. A patient receives a vasopressor infusion.
D. A patient requires mechanical ventilation.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Transportation access is a recognized social determinant influencing healthcare
access and outcomes.
Distractor Analysis:
A: Physiologic complication.
C: Medical intervention.
, D: Clinical treatment requirement.
Difficulty: Easy
Bloom's Level: Comprehension
Learning Objective: Explain the influence of social determinants of health.
Chapter Reference: Social Determinants of Health
Clinical Significance: Recognition of SDOH promotes equitable healthcare delivery.
Question 4 (SATA)
Which actions demonstrate professional accountability by a critical care nurse? (Select all that
apply.)
A. Maintaining clinical competence through continuing education
B. Reporting unsafe practices
C. Ignoring evidence-based guidelines when busy
D. Adhering to ethical standards
E. Participating in quality improvement initiatives
Correct Answers: A, B, D, E
Rationale: Professional accountability includes lifelong learning, advocacy, ethical practice, and
quality improvement participation.
Distractor Analysis:
C: Violates professional standards and patient safety principles.
Difficulty: Moderate
Bloom's Level: Application
Learning Objective: Apply principles of professional accountability.
Chapter Reference: Critical Care Professional Accountability
Clinical Significance: Accountability directly influences patient outcomes and safety.
